Orlando Pirates have not enjoyed a better business year than 2025.
First, it was Mohau Nkota, signed up by Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq in July. The latest has just been Mbekezeli Mbokazi, the club’s defensive gem, heading to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Chicago Fire.
According to reported figures, the Sea Robbers have pocketed R25.9 million from Nkota’s move and another R52 million from Mbokazi’s sale, making the Soweto giants R77.9 million richer in the space of five months.
MOHAU NKOTA TO AL ETTIFAQ IN JULY
Nkota created a buzz around Mzansi in July with a surprise move to Saudi Arabia, sealing a three-year deal with Al Ettifaq.
The 20-year-old, who operates on the right with his left foot, waved goodbye to this land after just eight months as a senior player for the Orlando Pirates, where he banged in seven goals and provided five assists in 39 games.
How did it all start? Nkota’s definitive chapters started at the Northern Cape’s Sol Plaatje University in Kimberly. He was discovered by Mandla Qhogi, a CAF A and UEFA C-licensed coach, during a 2020 coaching clinic while Qhogi was still coaching the club’s youth.
Too young to join Orlando Pirates at the time, Nkota was advised to further his development in the Sol Plaatje SAB League team before moving to Gauteng when he turned 17.
He was placed at the Bophelo Private School in Mayfair while continuing with his football in the club’s U-17, U-19, and eventually the reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC).
The day of October 25, 2024, arrived. Nkota introduced himself to South Africa. He marked a historic first team against AmaZulu FC, scoring both goals in a 2–1 win for the Buccaneers.
None of us imagined what would follow in July, when Orlando Pirates announced his R25.9 million move to West Asia.
Meanwhile, Nkota has scored two goals and created two assists in 10 appearances for his Saudi club.
AND THEN MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI FROM ORLANDO PIRATES TO CHICAGO FIRE
If Nkota’s breakthrough was rapid, Mbokazi edged him by just one match. The Hluhlulwe-born gem sealed a move to America after just 38 games for the first team.
Mbokazi, fondly called “TLB,” became a Buccaneer as recently as 2023 while playing for Langalibalele Sports Academy in the Engen U19 Knockout tournament.
Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro introduced him to us late last season in a 1-0 win over Chippa United on 5 March 2025. Fast forward eight months, and we are talking about Chicago for a smashing R52 million deal.
